FC & FC2 Female Condom
Country Profile:
M O N G O L I A
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Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries of the world. It’s a very youthful population with 50% under 21 years of age, and 43% is under 18 years of age. The recent political changes have meant a reduction in state sector employment, and increasing mobility and increasing poverty. Recently there has been a rise in the number of youth living on the street, and selling sex has emerged as a viable form of income for young people.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are rising, indicating a 1.5 increase between 1989 and 1998 (STI/HIV/AIDS Reference Centre 1999). Syphilis rates among blood donors have risen 12.3 times from 1992 to 1999. Between 1989 and 1998, syphilis among pregnant women increased from 10.5 per 10,000 people to 50.4 per 10,000 people, gonorrhea from 1.7 per 10,000 people to 102.8 per 10,000 people, and trichomoniasis from 127.7 per 10,000 people to 436.6 per 10,000 people (National STI/HIV/AIDS Reference Centre 1999). Increasing travel to neighbouring countries, where HIV/AIDS is rapidly spreading.
As it was decided to introduce female condoms, all key stakeholders were invited to sit on the Female Condom Co-ordination Committee. Although some female condoms are currently for sale in some kiosks in the capital city , no data is available about its rate of usage. 200 female condoms were distributed by Marie Stopes International (MSI) family planning (FP) clinics in Ulaanbaatar between September 1999 and April 2000. The STI/HIV/AIDS Reference Centre distributed female condoms during workshops for health care workers and peer educators, as well as to some CSWs. Following a request from UNFPA, UNAIDS provided free-of charge 7,500 female condoms that were made available for the pilot studies.
In initial studies Family doctors suggest that the female condom might be received well by women, as they appear to be more interested than men in using condoms. This will be an important point to clarify in future studies. Interviews with physicians working in family planning (FP) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinics have revealed that clients of FP and STI clinics have been asking for female condoms. This would imply that if the female condom were available for distribution to these populations it would be positively received.
With the launching of the a male condom social marketing initiative by MSI much attention was drawn to the use of the male condom. The co-coordinating committee members are concerned about how introducing the female condom could be linked to male condom promotion to ensure additional protection.
In April 2002 a pilot undertaken with 581 women to explore initial acceptability of the Female Condom indicated that: 1) 66% of those who participated in the research said they would use the Female Condom in the future, 2) USD 0.27 is the most appropriate price for the Female Condom. Other conclusions of the study, 3) 67% of participants would recommend the use of FC to their friends.
A representative of the National AIDS Foundation stated at the time:
Commercial sex workers are relatively well informed about female condoms. We have been promoting use of female condoms that is still a little lower than that of male condoms. In general, most women who use that product consider it as an appropriate tool that supports both health and decision-making ability of women and, thus, they would like to use it in the future. However, due to the lack of expertise, few women have had some minor pain while using the product. We will focus on that issue.
The report recommended that a pilot project should be developed to target specific market segments. It also recommended that good Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials be developed, accompanied by good illustrations and demonstrations where possible; and a good distribution mechanism be established, encouraging Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) collaboration. Luckily most health authorities think that the introduction of the female condom in the country is important. Training and programme planning activities which took place in 2002.
Training materials were designed and a training of trainers run, leaving a group of 15 skilled health professionals to run roll out training across the country, focused on sex worker communities in the capital city. UNFPA procured 33,000 female condoms initially for this pilot programme.
A local advertising agency designed the brand of the female condom, focusing on sensitivity and the credibility of being linked to the existing male condom brand. A local celebrity launched the campaign. Initial reactions were very positive with much media coverage. In the first five months the annual sales target was reached and the female condom programme and the product had a good reputation.
The annual sales target was reached within just five months, a testament to the careful planning and involvement of all key stakeholders. However there was some drop off after a year and Marie Stopes International raised concerns about lowering sales. They planned to counteract the novelty value and “launch” effect with continued programme support.
ORGANISATIONS with FEMALE CONDOM PROGRAMMES
With the provided links for the organisations below, you can access the home page and use available search tools to locate additional resources on female condom use and other relevant programmes.
Marie Stopes in Mongolia
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